BLOG 21: Ferris should expect a tough game against Findlay

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Eric Grozenski hands the football off to back Tim Hogue during a football practice session (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Findlay is close to a spot in the national rankings and will be a formidable opponent this weekend for Ferris State (2-0) in this contest scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Saturday from Top Taggart Field to renew an all-time series that currently is tied at 9-9-0.

The Oilers (2-0) already have knocked off a pair of in-state Ohio rivals in victories at Urbana, in week one, 26-0; and at home, in week two vs. Tiffin, 36-27. That means the common opponent between Ferris and Findlay is Tiffin. The Bulldogs topped the Dragons, on the road, in week one by a 14-12 score. The Oilers, on the other hand, enjoyed home-field advantage and secured a nine-point victory in Donnell Stadium.

It would be too difficult to compare the two teams and how they performed against Tiffin. The Oilers had an opportunity to scout the Dragons and their new coaching staff, Findlay also had a chance to experience the improvements from week one to week two and the Oilers also benefited from playing at home. On the other hand, Tiffin also had a chance to improve from week one to week two and, by scoring 27 points, it sounds as if the Dragons had a much better offensive performance even if it was in a loss.

The Oilers, under the direction of second-year head coach Joe Wauford, had a strong offensive performance last weekend from junior quarterback Anthony Lanzara, who completed 23-of-36 passes for 214 yards – all career-high efforts – in the win over Tiffin. Sophomore Dustin Zielaskoweicz was one of Lanzara’s primary targets as he finished with eight receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown against the Dragons. Defensively, back Jordan Marshall recorded 14 tackles while linebackers Brandon Craft and Joe Knopick had eight apiece. Another back, Anthony Fields, grabbed two interceptions and recorded seven tackles.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com